Finally, Clive Palmer has formally put a full stop to his personal political career, announcing on Monday he won’t be running for the Senate. Palmer United Party (PUP) will still field Senate candidates…

Australia’s system of compulsory voting makes the pollsters’ job much easier than under voluntary voting.
AAP/Dan PeledMay 11, 2016

It is claimed 'tough on crime' policies reflect public opinion, but a properly informed public, via models such as citizens' juries, is likely to arrive at different views on prison and its alternatives.

Without official polls, we’d be reduced to reading cakes for clues.
EPA/Andy RainSeptember 17, 2014

I really thought we might make it. We’d got past the publication of YouGov’s potentially constitution-changing poll showing a minuscule lead for the Yes campaign without anyone grabbing for an easy headline…

Just a few short weeks ago, it looked as though it was clear who was going to win the Scottish independence referendum. Although the polls persistently disagreed with each other as to how far it was behind…

Can canvassers believe what Scots are telling them on doorsteps?
Duncan CAugust 22, 2014

Political campaigners can often be heard complaining that opinion polls do not reflect what they hear on the doorstep. Arguing that they have spoken to many more people than the 1,000 or so typically interviewed…

The voting intentions of non-Scots have been under the spotlight.
AK RockefellerApril 25, 2014

The latest ICM poll made delightful reading for the yes campaign the other day. It showed a split of 52/48 against independence (42/39 once we factor the “don’t knows” back in), suggesting that the yes…

Opinion polls can have a profound influence on the atmosphere of a campaign. If they suggest that one side is well ahead, the media loses interest. The politicians get less space and perhaps airtime, while…